Zubair Qureshi
Youth climate activists from different schools of Islamabad on Friday held a protest in front of a number of restaurants demanding a ban on the use of plastic, styrofoam and paper as this causes massive environmental degradation.
They urged the administration of these restaurants to adopt eco-friendly business methods that would not only give them and their business a positive name but also attract a large number of customers.
These youngsters called for awareness on the issues that seem of less significance but are of utmost importance. Restaurants worldwide are focusing on reusable packaging and recycled technologies but in the federal capital where the majority of the population consists of educated people still plastic is being used in abundance, they said.
Organized by a group of 40 plus youths, Youth Climate Activists the protest demonstration turned out to be a big show and attracted pedestrians, local residents and a number of civil society activists. They supported their demand that was largely related to the impending climate crisis.
The activists handed out their list of demands to the restaurants as well, asking them to stop the usage of plastic straws, bags, utensils and disposable packaging such as styrofoam.
While talking to Pakistan Observer, Hania Imran a young climate activist and organizer of the event said the purpose of their protest demonstration is to make these internationally known food chains that they needed to do eco-friendly business and be good to the environment.
“We have no time. There are only seven years left before the climate crisis becomes irreversible, and then we can’t do anything. We have to act now for our Earth and our future” she said.
Hamza Aamir, a protester, spoke on the occasion, “ A slow response to the climate crisis is as good as no response at all. Plastics used in these restaurants are not a necessity but rather a mark of complacency. Sustainable alternates need to be adopted right now.”
Youth of Pakistan have realized in the coming days they are going to face stiff challenges of global warming, environmental degradation and we need to stand up today to pre-empt them, said he.
Khadija Haider, a member of the group said, “We are sitting here for the sake of our Earth. We wish to minimise the use of plastic, and practice sustainable methods instead. We demand such a change from our restaurants.”
Rida Piracha, protester, said, “Restaurants contribute to the growing climate crisis and it’s time we hold them responsible and give them an eye opener on the effect they have on the environment. Make them realise that the simple steps taken by them today can make a big difference tomorrow.”
The protesters held placards highlighting the damage plastic and styrofoam causes, and why they required urgent action from both businesses, big corporations and the government.
